ICANN's Technical Study Group on gTLD Integrations with Alternative Naming Systems
The global Domain Name System (DNS) is the standard naming system for the Internet, but it is not the only naming system on the Internet. Several current gTLD registry operators and potential 2026 Round applicants have indicated that they would like to offer registry services that associate some other naming system with the global DNS, using the same name in both systems in order to integrate them. The TSG will conduct an in-depth analysis to understand the potential security and stability ramifications of integrating generic top-level domains (gTLDs) with alternative naming systems.
Meet the Technical Study Group:
- Andrew Sullivan, Anvil Walrus Den Holdings Inc., Alternative Naming Systems TSG Co-ordinator - ICANN Staff Contractor
- Sebastian Ducos, Unstoppable Domains - SOI
- Nick Johnson, ENS Domains - SOI
- Brian Lonergan, Identity Digital - SOI
- Georgia Osborn, Security and Stability Advisory Committee - SOI
- Don Ruiz, Orange Domains - SOI
- Swapneel Sheth, Verisign - SOI
- Peter Thomassen, deSEC – SOI
- Suzanne Woolf, Public Interest Registry - SOI
ICANN staff will facilitate this effort.
Supporting Documentation and Resources:
- TSG on Integration of Global DNS gTLDs and Alternative Naming Systems Charter
- Version 1.1 (10 August 2026)
- gTLD Integrations with Alternative Naming Systems TSG mailing list
Announcements and Blogs:
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 9 June 2026 | Blog: gTLD Integrations with Alternative Naming Systems Technical Study Group Underway |
| 27 April 2026 | Blog: Technical Study Group Forming: gTLD Integrations with Alternative Naming Systems |
Meetings and Work Session Resources:
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 5 August 2026 | TSG on gTLD Integrations with Alternative Naming Systems – Meeting #11 - Cancelled. |
| 28 July 2026 |
TSG on gTLD Integrations with Alternative Naming Systems – Workshop 2 Day 2
|
| 27 July 2026 |
TSG on gTLD Integrations with Alternative Naming Systems – Workshop 2 Day 1
|
| 22 July 2026 |
TSG on gTLD Integrations with Alternative Naming Systems – Meeting #9
|
| 15 July 2026 |
TSG on gTLD Integrations with Alternative Naming Systems – Meeting #8
|
| 8 July 2026 |
TSG on gTLD Integrations with Alternative Naming Systems – Meeting #7 - Cancelled.
|
| 1 July 2026 |
TSG on gTLD Integrations with Alternative Naming Systems – Meeting #6
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| 25 June 2026 |
TSG on gTLD Integrations with Alternative Naming Systems – Workshop 1 Day 2
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| 24 June 2026 |
TSG on gTLD Integrations with Alternative Naming Systems – Workshop 1 Day 1
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| 18 June 2026 |
TSG on gTLD Integrations with Alternative Naming Systems – Meeting #3
|
| 11 June 2026 |
TSG on gTLD Integrations with Alternative Naming Systems – Meeting #2
|
| 2 June 2026 |
TSG on gTLD Integrations with Alternative Naming Systems – Formal Kick-off Meeting – Meeting #1
|
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is the purpose of ICANN's Technical Study Group (TSG) on gTLD Integrations with Alternative Naming Systems?
The TSG was formed to study the implications of integrating a generic top-level domain (gTLD) name into the same name in an alternative naming system. A thorough assessment of the potential impact to the security and stability of the Domain Name System (DNS) must be conducted before ICANN can approve this new type of registry service.
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What is ICANN's role in the TSG?
ICANN is facilitating this effort, which aligns with ICANN's mission of ensuring the stable and secure operation of the Internet's unique identifier systems including the global Domain Name System (DNS).
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Why is the TSG being formed now?
ICANN has received an increasing number of inquiries from generic top-level domain (gTLD) registry operators and potential New gTLD Program: 2026 round applicants regarding integrating DNS strings with other types of naming systems.
From a technical perspective, it may be possible for domain names used in the global DNS to be integrated into alternative naming systems. This integration could benefit users, but, without adequate protocols in place, could cause operational, security, stability, and usability challenges; and undermine trust in the domain name system. ICANN is convening this TSG to assess these risks and suggest appropriate mitigation controls if possible.
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What is the expected output from the TSG?
The TSG will produce a report documenting its conclusions on the feasibility of integrating gTLDs with alternative naming systems. This assessment is planned to be published for Public Comment on 10 August 2026.
Integrations of global DNS gTLDs with alternative naming systems would constitute a Registry Service as described in the Registry Services Evaluation Policy (RSEP). The TSG report will serve as the basis for ICANN to develop standardized contractual language for registry agreements covering this Registry Service with the goal of undergoing Public Comment together with the TSG report.
The development of standardized contract language would enable New gTLD Program: 2026 Round applicants or existing registry operators that wish to offer this type of Registry Service to use this standardized language in their Registry Agreement. For 2026-Round applicants, this contract language would be incorporated if and when their applications proceed to the contracting phase.
Because this type of integration is a Registry Service, New gTLD Program applicants should anticipate that they would need to incorporate this standardized contract language for this type of Registry Service into the applicable Registry Agreement(s), as opposed to an applicant proposing Registry Voluntary Commitments (RVCs) in their New gTLD Program: 2026 Round application to document proposed commitments related to such service's operation.